As
the new Sheerlite conservatory roof system takes off in 2005, L.B.
Plastics has ensured its key customer service staff have
up to the minute knowledge of the latest Sheerframe conservatory developments
by providing its team of area sales managers with a special technical
seminar at its Derbyshire HQ.

Designed to suit any window system, Sheerlite offers a good solution
for Sheerframe and an important one given the growth L.B. Plastics is
experiencing in the conservatory market, particularly from the newbuild
sector. This commitment to training and support by L.B. Plastics will
ensure that its area sales managers can assist fabricators more effectively
in the first instance, with further technical back up always available.

L.B.
Plastics' Mike Butterick (back, centre) provides an insight into the
latest Sheerframe conservatory developments to area sales managers during
the recent conservatory training day held at its Nether Heage HQ

L.B.
Plastics' Mike Butterick says, 'Sheerlite sets new standards in conservatory
performance and we are particularly excited how it fits with the Sheerframe
system. We've already had a great deal of interest from Sheerframe fabricators
and those installing other window system profiles and with in-depth
training like this seminar, we are confident our team have the skills
to offer the right advice.'

The
potentially complex process oflearning how to build a different conservatory
roof system is being simplified, following major investment by Aztec
Conservatory Roof Systems.

The
company, supplier of conservatory roofs, has introduced a tailor-made
training programme for its fabricators, reinforced by the creation of
a bespoke training school at its Haydock, Lancashire head office and
the appointment of a new technical support and training manager, Rob
Small.

The purpose ofthe programme is to give new and existing Aztec customers
'hands-on' education in the fabrication and assembly of an Aztec roof.
Trainees will attend a two-day intensive course at the training school,
run by Rob, at which they learn the theory of the system and have the
opportunity in the extensive practical area to build a roof with skilled
Aztec personnel on hand to explain any issues.

The in-house training is supported by subsequent on-site assistance,
where Rob Small visits the fabricator's premises to help them set up
the processing equipment required to ensure the most efficient roof
production.

Rob Small says, 'Our system has been designed to be incredibly simple
to fabricate and install- to the extent we find some customers who switch
to us from a competitor are sometimes concerned that they are doing
it right, because it is so easy to design and put together!

'Our training programme has been developed as the result of in-depth
consultation with customers, and our own experience with our growing
customer base, to ensure their move into fabricating the Aztec system
is as smooth and trouble-free as possible, whether they are completely
new to the conservatory market, or switching from an alternative supplier.
It also gives existing customers an opportunity to train new staff on
the system, and to learn about new refinements to the component range.'

Gordon Cooke, Aztec Conservatory Roof Systems sales manager, adds, 'Rob
is technically skilled, and understands the issues facing fabricators
and installers in building conservatory roofs. He is an excellent communicator,
and will prove a valuable resource to Aztec and its customers, in giving
customers the ability to tap into focussed, dedicated technical support
so they can fabricate and build the roof as efficiently as possible.'

Glass
Training Ltd News 77
The Sector Skills Council for process and manufacturing is back
in development. The Board of Glass Training
Ltd (GTL) is not yet convinced that total support should
be given to Proskills. The costs associated with the development of
a sector skills agreement could cost the glass industry several £millions
without any real surety that the outcomes will be of benefit to the
industry.

Malcolm Berresford Dutton, the chairman of GTL, is playing a leading
role in ensuring that the glass industry is not burdened by further
layers of Government red tape in the execution of industry training.
When we start to understand the logic of the need for Sector Skills
Councils they seem to be one step too far in Government intervention
into industrial training. We currently recommend that the best option
is to put your weight behind GTL as the glass industry national training
organisation working closely with Government as it has always done.

GTL has a proven record of supporting Government education and
training policy. GTL continues to be in the top ten for the implementation
of all Government national initiatives. Those employers who could not
afford the GTL option are now courting favour with the new SSC not really
understanding the implications that Proskills is going to be a really
costly venture.

Somehow there is a blind logic that Government are going to continue
to pay large sums of public money on a continuing basis to prop up a
Government manufactured network that generally fails to engage employers.
We would suggest you keep us posted on any survey you are asked to complete
over the next year so that you remain outside a statutory framework
for education and training.
Personal Development Planning
There are many companies in the glass and fenestration industry that
have benefited from GTLs approach to personal development planning.
A personal development plan starts with GTL deciding the management
wants regarding the skills needed to ensure a continuing profitable
development of the business.
Sometimes personal development plans are related to regulatory requirements
such as health and safety, environment and a professional requirement
to practice, such as construction skills card. Why not discuss your
needs with Denise at GTL mailto:denise@glass-training.co.uk

Coaching For Results
This is a one day course that is the start of a new way of encouraging
and engaging staff in being more focused on the needs and objectives
of the business. The cost is £240 per candidate and £90
if you are a full member of GTL.

Foundation Degrees
This new degree provides an award of FdA and FdSc (Foundation degree
the Arts and Foundation degree in science respectively). It is a qualification
that is designed around what employers need and not just what the higher
education institutions want to give employers. The work-based part of
a Foundation degree is credited towards the degree in a similar way
to achieving an NVQ. The difference is that the Foundation degree expects
that the candidate will provide more thinking based evidence on the
benefits of a thorough treatment of the knowledge of getting things
done in industry.

The degree can commence before registration so that employers and their
employees can try out the new approach to development. A progress file
is maintained where specific work-based learning tasks and assignments
are recorded. These tasks can be normal projects which have to be done
in any case as part of a persons development in and for the job. GTL
would recommend that a Foundation degree follows on from a level 3 NVQ
in management or a glass related qualification. They are designed for
technicians who have to do practical work although they are of value
to those employees who have to provide a team leader role in an organisation.

Once registered with a higher education institution the costs are around
£800 per year for three years delivered in a part time mode of
learning. Most of the learning and assessment can be done on the job
with sometime spent at a college so that benefits can be gained by working
with other learners. Contact mailto:lisa@glass-training.co.uk
if you are interested in this programme.

Support
For The Glassex Challenge As The GQA Steps Forward To Sponsor
Following a highly energetic and successful first appearance at Glassex
2004, the Glassex Challenge - which seeks to expose the most talented
and committed window, door and conservatory installers in the UK - will
not only be back for Glassex 2005 but will also appropriately be sponsored
by the Glass Qualifications Authority (GQA).

Experienced
LB Team Leaders Score 100% Exam Success

Thirty team Leaders from L.B. Plastics Ltd
have shown just how valuable their years of vocational experience
is after successfully passing the renowned lnstitute of Learning and
Management's qualification, the lntroductory Certificate in First Line
Management (Level 3).

The
team leaders, who were encouraged by L.B. Plastics to achieve formal
recognition for their extensive people skills and supervisory know-how,
have a collective 317 years experience behind them, built up in their
work throughout the company's main manufacturing facility.

In putting its staff through this training, L.B. Plastics has been one
of the first manufacturing companies of its kind in the UK to develop
its staff in this way. The company took part in a pilot scheme organised
by the Learning & Skills Council and this has been so successful
that the programme has now been rolled out nationally.

Producing some of the building industry's leading brand names, including
Sheerframe windows, doors and curtain walling, Sheerline fencing and
decking and Hometrim cellular cladding, roofline products and trims,
L.B. PLastics is one of the region's leading manufacturing companies.
One of the main factors the company puts its success down to is its
continuous commitment to investment in staff training and development.

L.B. Plastics' Personnel Manager, Nicola Bird, said: 'We are absolutely
thrilled with the 100% success of our team leaders. They are all highly
capable supervisors who clearly already possessed all the important
skills to do their jobs extremely effectively before they undertook
the ILM training.

'With this formal professional qualification they have the perfect platform
from which to develop both personally and at work.'

The training took place through a series of four day courses between
May and August this year.

Part of the family owned Litchfield Croup, L.B. Plastics employs around
1,000 people at its main production facility and headquarters at Nether
Heage in Derbyshire, as well as at its overseas operations in North
America, Germany, Poland, and Australasia.

Ultraframe
Offers a Total Training Package with its School of Excellence

With
demand for conservatories increasing and the number of conservatory
roofing options growing all the time, Ultraframe, the designer and manufacturer
of conservatory roofing systems, is committed to helping its customers
stay at the cutting edge of industry developments. The Ultraframe technical
support team offers all Ultraframe fabricators, suppliers and installers
specialist training at its School of Excellence.

Ultraframe
is leading the way in customer service by offering attendees the opportunity
to experience training in technical standards, the latest products and
new installation techniques and all free of charge.

Linda Doughty, Marketing Director at Ultraframe, said: 'We recognise
that regular technical training is vital to keep fabricators and installers
one step ahead of their competitors. At Ultraframe we continue to drive
the market through innovation and as part of our total package of quality
products and outstanding customer service and support, we offer our
partners regular training and development to ensure their ongoing success.'

The School of Excellence offers a series of specialised training modules
designed by the industry experts at Ultraframe. Ultraframe users can
select training in the areas that will be most beneficial to the work
they specialise in. Modules include: Product Awareness, Technical Product
Information, Structural Design and Portal Framed Conservatories. Surveyors
can access specialised training in conservatory surveying, while fabricators
can learn about Ultraframes Victorian range in the Roof Fabrication
module. Fitters can get hands-on experience while learning installation
tips from the experts in Roof Installation.

Philip Wharf, UK Support Manager at Ultraframe, heads up the UK Technical
Support Team and the Training Scheme. He commented: 'The Ultraframe
technical support team is the most experienced in the industry. We are
proud to pass on our specialist knowledge and skills to our customers
so that they can maximise the benefits of the innovative Ultraframe
product range. We have a fully equipped training centre at our headquarters
in Clitheroe and also offer a mobile training unit so that the Ultraframe
UK team can support customers anywhere in the country.'

Dan Ward, an independent builder from Wakefield, recently added conservatory
installation to his services after he installed his first Uzone roof
and loved its fitter-friendly clicklock technology. He attended the
Ultraframe School of Excellence to learn more about the Ultraframe product
range, which features a product for every application, style, budget
and consumer.

Dan Ward said: 'It was great to hear about what Ultraframe offers and
what it can do for me as an independent installer. I saw the different
styles of conservatories Ultraframe produces and got the opportunity
to trial additional products, such as the Ultraselect decorative trim.
I also picked up useful installation tips to make my next job even easier
and faster to complete. Having attended the course I am confident I
can identify my customers needs and advise them on a style of
Ultraframe conservatory perfect for their home and budget. I really
got a lot out of the training and it was completely free!'

Ultraframe suppliers can extend the invitation of free training to their
own customers who install Ultraframe roofs. At PBM-DQS, the largest
independent fabricator and distributor of conservatory roofing systems
in the UK, customers have already been taking advantage of the training
at Ultraframes School of Excellence. This has in turn had benefits
for staff at PBM-DQS. Adrian Williams, Managing Director of Roofing
at PBM-DQS, explained: 'We have had great feedback from our customers
who have attended Ultraframes School of Excellence. They are always
grateful that we advised them about the free courses and believe that
the training was very worthwhile. We find that when our customers have
attended Ultraframe training sessions they have a better understanding
of the Ultraframe product range and its technological benefits. They
also have increased confidence in the Ultraframe product and in the
strong technical back up that the Ultraframe support team are on hand
to provide. This ultimately makes our job of dealing with our customers
simpler. Its a win-win situation.'

Ultraframe installers who are members of the Ultraframe Registered Installers
Scheme already attend the School of Excellence on an annual basis. The
Ultraframe Scheme is the most comprehensive and robust scheme of quality
accreditation in the industry. As part of their membership to the Scheme
installers are required to re-sit their assessment test at the School
of Excellence each year.

They also attend a day of practical training which ensures they are
always aware of the latest technologically advanced and innovative Ultraframe
products to offer their customers. The regular training and assessment
are vital to ensure every scheme member, having passed the schemes
stringent vetting criteria, continues to deliver the highest quality
installations and customer service.

Linda Doughty continued: 'Both the School of Excellence and the Registered
Installer Scheme are prime examples of Ultraframes drive to promote
the highest standards of workmanship and professional service in the
conservatory industry. They demonstrate Ultraframes commitment
to supporting its customers with the best after-sales service and technical
support in the industry.'

To arrange your customised training session at the Ultraframe School
of Excellence please call 01200 422262

Busiest
Bygone Conference yet, held at Cranfield

Partnership,
professionalism and passion were the themes underlying the fourth Masterframe
Bygone Preferred Installers (BPI) network conference. Held
in conjunction with the Cranfield School of Management, and attended
by nearly 50 of its specialist vertical slider installers, the two-day
conference was all about challenging traditional ways of doing things,
spearheaded by the idea: If you always do what you have always
done, you'll always get the same results.

Designed
to maximise future sales and profits of the delegates' businesses, presentations
from experts were broad ranging and covered many general business disciplines,
including niche marketing, branding, customer service, and internet
marketing together with more specific issues relevant to Bygone installers,
such as the latest product developments, unique technical features and
window energy ratings achievable by Masterframe's products.

In between the presentations were plenty of opportunities for break
out sessions where delegates spent time putting into practice what they'd
learnt as well as sharing experiences and ideas with other sliding sash
window installation companies.

Masterframe Managing Director, Alan Burgess was delighted with how the
conference went: It was a great experience for everyone involved,
and customer feedback once again endorsed our decision to invest so
much time, money and effort in organising this fourth Bygone conference.

We work closely with our preferred installer network all year
round, but having the opportunity to spend two days with each of them
in a learning environment always proves mutually valuable. Through these
discussions we can learn far more about the bigger issues facing our
installers and can discuss direct ways to support them. In return they
get to hear top class, professional speakers, as well as having the
opportunity to learn from the shared ideas to help their businesses
grow profitably.

If you think your business would benefit from attending a business growth
seminar, call Sonia Smith or Alan Burgess at Masterframe on 01376 510410
and they will be pleased to send you The Facts.

Total
Glass
has launched its own fabricator training facility. The company, one
of Profile 22's largest fabricators, established the Total Training
School in response to a growing skills shortage generally, and more
specifically to maintain its reputation for supplying a quality product
within short lead times.

Already
acknowledged within the industry for promoting NVQ achievement, Total
Glass has long recognised the need for, and value of, a well-trained
workforce. The dedicated four-week fabricator training scheme operates
all year-round and is already having a beneficial impact on the business.

Managing Director Frank Deary is a firm believer in the value of training,
saying: We manufacture a quality window and with our current quality
systems in place, our workforce need to understand and comply with these.
Our recruits have no previous experience in fabrication, but after an
intensive four-week training programme, they are ready to join their
shopfloor colleagues at the factory pace.
We are noticing the impact on quality, and with our emphasis on
a fast turnaround, it is vital we have staff who are fully trained and
know what they're doing.

After learning about all aspects of window fabrication and Health and
Safety, trainees receive a certificate confirming their attendance and
are then eligible to progress onto Total's established NVQ training
programme.

Frank adds: We believe our training facility is the first of its
kind in the industry and is certainly helping us to maintain the product
quality and service for which we are renowned.

The launch of the training initiative coincides with major developments
for Total Glass as it prepares to move to a new £3 million site
early next year. The 100,000 sq ft factory at Knowsley near Liverpool,
is thought to be the biggest industrial building currently under construction
in the Merseyside area.

Sustained year on year growth of more than 25% year in both its trade
and commercial sectors has prompted the move for Total Glass, which
is rapidly outgrowing its existing 60,000 sq ft premises against current
market trend.

The move will be completed in phases to minimise any impact on production.
Frank adds: We are not planning a closedown and fabrication will
continue in both factories to maintain our service to customers until
we are settled in the new factory.

The
Glass national training organisation, Glass
Training Limited, launched its Glassmark Quality Scheme
at its Annual General Meeting in Stone, Staffordshire on the 5th October
2004.

A G Glass in Barnsley, a leading sealed window manufacturer, is the
first company to achieve the standard.

The purpose of this new organisational quality assessment process is
to encourage more employers to set and achieve standards of competence
in the glass and fenestration industry that are of real benefit to all,
employees, customers, and suppliers. It recognises an organisation for
its commitment to work with the glass national training organisation
to achieve success for all.

John Spiby the Managing Director of A G Glass says the Quality
Glassmark will help the sector to raise the profile of skills that lead
to a high performance work organisation. A G Glass has a continuous
improvement programme that ensures all employees are given support to
develop their skills to meet national occupational standards.

The criteria for an organisation to display the Glassmark is evidence
of the following:

 Developing its workforce to improve quality of service.
 Employees are involved in formal workplace learning.
 Employees are encouraged to reach their level of competence and
potential through externally verified vocational or academic qualifications.
 Contribute to the glass national training organisation to ensure
the industry meets its obligations to Government and remains World class.
 Are dedicated to quality customer service.

The Glass national training organisation is recognised by the Government
in the four nations of the UK. It has a responsibility to encourage
firms to train their workforce to raise and maintain standards.

Malcolm Berresford-Dutton the Chairman of the Glass national training
organisation says that the Glassmark is an initiative to explain
to the public that the glass sector cares for its people enough to ensure
they are given every opportunity to be qualified to do their jobs to
the highest standard. We intend the Quality Mark to be a gold standard
that customers can rely on, knowing that an organisation does support
its employees to learn how to make a success of the work they do.

'The Glass national training organisation is supported by all the glass
manufacturers and the leading fenestration companies in the UK. It is
in touch with over 10,000 glass and fenestration firms and intends to
support smaller firms with equal determination as larger companies.

'The real benefit of the Glassmark is to develop a strong family spirit
within the sector to do things together that will benefit all stakeholders.'

Now
Architects can Learn and Earn at GP&T 2005

The
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has awarded Continual Professional
Development (CPD) status to Glass Processing
& Technology (GP&T), the UK glass industrys
only dedicated exhibition and conference event. This is the first time
that such accreditation has been given to a whole event rather than
its seminar or conference section, and represents a huge boost for GP&T,
which enjoys its second staging in May 2005.

Continuing Professional Development is the requirement shared by chartered
RIBA members to fulfil a programme of on-going training and gain new
knowledge each year. Each chartered member of the RIBA is required to
achieve a fixed number of points and hours annually in the pursuit of
personal development, with RIBA CPD Providers Network seminars and training
courses considered an important part of the requirement. As GP&T
is recognised per se, RIBA members need only to attend the event to
qualify for CPD points, although the seminar programme will be developed
to ensure attendance by architects.
Joni Tyler, Head of Continuing Professional Development for the RIBA,
commented:

The RIBA is delighted to be working with EMAP Maclaren on GP&T
2005 and we are happy to accredit the event as eminently valid RIBA
CPD as part of our Providers Network. We feel confident that our members
and other specifiers will get a great deal out of attending GP&T
2005 and we look forward to working with EMAP on other GP&T initiatives.

A major new event that combined over 100 exhibition stands and a comprehensive
programme of seminars and forums, GP&T 2003 was a success, achieving
a high level of attendance from architects and other specifiers of glass
related products, even winning a prestigious exhibition industry trophy
for being the best trade show to be launched during 2003. Its seminar
and conference programme was one of the main contributors to this success,
incorporating a wide range of interests and subjects and involving a
number of key industry organisations.

EMAP Maclaren plans to enhance the appeal of the GP&T seminar programme
still further for the 2005, concentrating on the most up-to-date glazing
regulations, trends and the very latest in glazing technology development.
Event Manager Stephen Redman comments:

We wanted the GP&T 2003 seminar programme to truly reflect
the versatility of architectural glass, the huge advances that have
taken place in glass technology over the last few years and the issues
facing the glass industry. The fact that we have now been accredited
by the RIBA proves the worth of the event and establishes its credentials.
We have achieved our first goal  now we want to focus on the next
level and create an even better opportunity for architects and specifiers
to learn about the possibilities of glass at GP&T 2005.

GP&T 2005 will take place from 17th to 19th May 2005 inclusive at
the NEC, Birmingham.

Wizard
Teaching Window Installers

Merlin
UK
has recently been commissioned to deliver window installer training
for one forward thinking London Borough. The new initiative to get local
people back into work was organised as part of a Partnering arrangement
between the Local Authority and the two main contractors involved in
the window replacement programme.

Merlin UK in partnership with Remploy was asked to deliver a training
course to 12 long term unemployed people. The goal was to train the
candidates to be window fitter's mates so that they had basic training
to help contribute to the work being carried out on site by fitting
teams.In addition to window installation training they were also put
through a Health & Safety programme to give them the knowledge to
sit the CSCS examination. 75% of the candidates passed and have gone
on to get their trainee CSCS card. This will help them to get work in
the construction sector where the Major Contractors Group is insisting
that all personnel who work on site have CSCS cards.

The training was linked to NVQ level 2 in Fenestration Surveying and
Installation and the candidates are now on their way to obtaining the
NVQ via ongoing site assessment.

Five people are now in self-employment as a result of the Partnering
arrangement and are now contributing to the local economy.

CPD
Seminars for Busy Professionals

Freefoam
Plastics
is a member of the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) CPD
Providers Network authorised to provide Continuing Professional Development
(CPD) to architects, specifiers and other professionals in the construction
industry.

Entitled Design and Installation Considerations for the use of PVC-UE
for Roofline and Cladding, the seminar takes approx 45 minutes and covers
key points in specifying cellular foam boards for fascia, soffit and
cladding for new build and refurbishment projects.

As well as presenting to individuals and organisations, Freefoam also
presents its CPD seminar as part of a series of one-day regional exhibitions
run by events company Direct Contact Exhibitions (DCE). Three recent
DCE exhibitions were held at venues in Bristol and Oldham as well as
in the sporting setting of Blackburn Football Club. All events were
well attended by local specifiers from Housing Associations, private
practices, local authorities and building contractors.

Kevin Reed, Freefoam New Build & Specification Manager, comments,
The DCE exhibitions route offers busy professionals a chance to
attend up to five CPD seminars in a day and talk to various companies
in a small exhibition environment which can be very productive.

For more information or to book a CPD seminar, contact Freefoam on 01604
759871 in the UK, 021 4911055 in Ireland, or email mailto:cpd@freefoam.com

The
partial re-glazing of a training centre used by Pilkington
employees nationwide has provided the company with the perfect opportunity
to demonstrate the benefits of its new Pilkington Activ Optilam
Brown self-cleaning glass.

Pilkington
Activ Optilam Brown is a safety glass product with a tinted interlayer
and designed primarily for commercial applications. The glazed areas
of the training centre have been fitted with the new glass, providing
improved safety and security measures as well as reducing cleaning and
maintenance costs.

The training centre is based at Pilkington Plyglass in Derbyshire, one
of Pilkingtons 21 UK branches and a specialist in solar and thermal
control solutions. The 300m2 training centre is used regularly by Pilkington
employees from across the UK and is heavily glazed to allow for maximum
daylight to enter the room. However, sun-glare through the glazed areas
sometimes made the room too uncomfortably bright for trainees.

It was decided that re-glazing the training centre using Pilkington
Activ Optilam Brown self-cleaning glass would be both the ideal
solution to the problem and a good opportunity to display the potential
of the product to customers as an excellent commercial glazing solution.
The 6.4mm laminated Pilkington Activ Optilam glass in Bronze finish
was used for the windows in the centre. The new glass not only dramatically
reduces cleaning and maintenance as well as sun glare but also provides
greater strength and security with its tinted interlayer.

Geoff Hancock, Sales Manager at Pilkington Plyglass, explains the impact
that the re-glazing has had upon visitors to the training centre:
Because the actual vision area is the only part of the centre
that has been re-glazed with Pilkington Activ Optilam Brown -
the central spandrels are still standard glass  the comparison
between the two is immediately striking. Commercial specifiers who have
previously been sceptical as to whether the self-cleaning glass actually
works have come here to view the area and have been amazed by what theyve
seen. Its quite an eye-opener for them.

Developed in the UK by Pilkington and launched following extensive field
and laboratory testing, Pilkington Activ literally keeps itself
clean by harnessing the two natural elements of ultra violet light and
rain. The technology uses UV light to break down organic dirt deposits
on the glass, then uses the rain to wash away the loosened dirt away.

Suitable for commercial applications and local authority projects including
schools and hospitals amongst others, Pilkington Activ Optilam
is available in several different tinted finishes for increased comfort
and safety.

K2
'Installs' Knowledge at QUB K2,
UK conservatory manufacturer, has hosted a series of lectures at Queens
University Belfast as part of the European Masters Course in Polymer Processing.

The
European Masters Course is hosted by the Pau and Doui Universities in
France, the Zaragoza University in Spain and the Queens University Belfast.
It entails 17 students from Spain, Mexico and the Dominican Republic studying
different aspects of polymer processing for a period of three months at
each of the participating institutions.

This is the second year that K2 has been asked to host a series of lectures
on the European Masters Course and is a direct result of its progressive
Knowledge Transfer Partnership Scheme (KTP) with Queens University's Polymer
Processing Research Centre. As part of the scheme, K2's technical department
is able to utilise the skills of some of the UK's most talented academics
to conduct extensive research on potential new products, while the academics
at Queens University gain knowledge from K2 on the challenges that businesses
face.

Keith Halliwell, Extrusions Manager at K2, and Jonathan Yap, an Associate
on placement at the company, conducted a series of four lectures on the
processes involved with profile extrusion.

On completion of the lectures, the students were able to gain 'hands-on'
experience of extrusion processing through a practical workshop, which
involved the students working together in groups to construct three miniature
sized K2 conservatory roofs, while examples of K2's extrusion equipment
were on display around the lecture room.

'We were delighted to be invited back to Queens University for the second
year, to take part in such an innovative course, including students from
a range of countries', commented Keith Halliwell, Extrusions Manager at
K2. 'We hope that the students were able to gain both theoretical knowledge
of extrusion through the lectures, but also practical experience through
the erection of miniature conservatory roofs.'

Professor Raymond Murphy, Director of the Polymer Processing Research
Centre comments: 'We are pleased that K2 has returned to give a second
series of lectures at Queens University Belfast, after the popularity
of their workshops last year. They are able to demonstrate to students
how the theory of extrusion can be applied in practice to a company, as
well as providing information on the real world challenges and issues
faced by businesses.'

The
highlights of this GTL Newsletter
include the news that the HSE has launched a new safety blitz. Also,
GTL is calling for entries for its Industry Awards to be presented at
the GTL AGM.

HSE Launches New Safety Blitz
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a new 'blitz' to
crack down on unsafe practices in the construction industry.

GTL Industry Awards
We would like to celebrate these individuals in our sector for
their valuable contribution and present them with an award at our AGM.
Please let me have the names, age and job title of a person who has
done something rather special for you to progress education, training
or learning in your company. It could be that this person has received
exceptional results at college, university or supported by a private
provider. It could simply be someone who has helped others to gain qualifications
or made a significant contribution to the worth of your company. The
important criteria is that you feel the employee should be recognised
for their endeavour. The deadline date for entries is 16th July 2004.
Please email mailto:lisa@glass-training.co.uk
Firms Open To Job Fraudsters
More than a third of small businesses do not check the references of
job applicants and so risk hiring someone who is not who they say they
are, new research reveals.

Dealing with difficult people
If we listen to difficult people we will gain their interest, once you
have gained their interest you can use their skills. Often really difficult
people are the ones who get things done. If they werent we would
have given them the push long ago.

Gender Pay Gap 'Wider Than Official Data'
The pay gap between men and women is wider than official figures show,
new research claims.

GTL Annual Report  Success Stories
Please let me have a short case study of an initiative that you
have taken over the last twelve months regarding training that has improved
your business performance or provided for a need to ensure your continuing
viability as a company. I would be grateful if you could let me have
a colour digital photograph to support your text around 100 words. The
photograph can be of a product, but better still your employees involved
in the work you do, including the names and job titles of those involved.
The deadline date for final copy is the 16th July 2004. Please email
mailto:info@glass-training.co.uk or post copies to Glass Training Ltd,
Riverdale House, 89 Graham Road, Sheffield S10 3GP.

People Make The Difference
Its no use people being flexible if they are not useful. Employees will
be more useful if they are trained in the art of working with their
employers to a common purpose. Ever thought of your firm being an effective
learning organisation where things get done right first time every time?
Please contact mailto:lisa@glass-training.co.uk

New
Glazing Installation and Maintenance Standards
GTL is now reviewing the current Glazing Installation and Maintenance
Level 2 & 3 standards and qualifications. This project is being
jointly overseen by Glass Training Ltd (the Standards Setting Body for
the Glass Industry) and CITB-Construction Skills. The Glass and Glazing
Federation is also a member of the Steering Group, along with the Glass
Qualifications Authority. A number of glazing companies are also represented.

The project is very keen to involve as many employers, training and
development providers, and practitioners as possible, to ensure that
the next generation of the standards and qualifications fit the needs
of the sector. GTL will provide a number of ways in which you can help,
but to do so we need you to register for the project.
Complete the registration form now, and GTL will contact you within
a couple of weeks to provide you with more information. http://www.leighbarron.com/glazingwelcome.htm

New Apprenticeships Will Widen Opportunity And Boost Business
More young people will get the opportunity to learn skills under radical
reforms to Apprenticeships announced by Education and Skills Secretary
Charles Clarke and the Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown. Announcing
the new Young Apprenticeships Mr Clarke said that the reforms
will be a major boost to business and productivity. Working through
the Sector Skills Councils, employers will also be put in the driving
seat in terms of the design and development of Apprenticeships.

Discussions About Lifelong Learning Networks
The LSC is looking with partners at ways of increasing vocational and
workplace progression to higher education. The Council, along with the
Higher Education Funding Council for England and the Department for
Education and Skills, is exploring the scope for developing Lifelong
Learning Networks  groups of providers across a city or region
to offer new progression opportunities to learners.

Between now and the autumn, LSC regional directors and HEFCE regional
consultants will be discussing the proposals with providers, higher
education institutions and others with a view to developing pilots
or demonstrators.
Senior Management Development
If you want to improve the performance of your business you need to
develop your managers. A number of Managing Directors have recently
completed the Level 5 in Strategic Management. John Spiby, Managing
Director of AG Glass has completed his NVQ at Level 5. When he started
he thought NVQs were for operatives he now realises what a powerful
development process gaining an NVQ is. He said that the personal involvement
in reflecting on what he already knew and could do has helped him to
reposition his plans and actions in getting things done more effectively
for the future. Why not enrol your managers on the GTL Management Development
Programme? Please contact mailto:denise@glass-training.co.uk

Glass
Training Ltd Newsletter 72

The
highlights of the latest GTL Newsletter
include the news that The
Board of Glass Training Ltd will consider the proposal put forward by
the Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA) to form a Sector Skills
Council for the process and manufacturing industries.

Proskills
The Board of Glass Training Ltd will consider the proposal put forward
by the Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA) to form a Sector Skills
Council for the process and manufacturing industries. To go forward
the SSDA has requested that employers contribute over £16million
in the next three years. The glass industry has already made significant
improvements to productivity over the last ten years and do not feel
it is realistic to make this further investment in the development of
its people.

This isnt the end of the road as the SSDA has to support GTL as
it continues to be the national training organisation for the glass
and fenestration sector. What needs to happen is for all employers to
pull together and make a success of GTL. Those who need to influence
the GTL Board decision in June should contact Alan Hearsum the Chief
Executive by email: mailto:alan@glass-training.co.uk
or Tel: 0114 2632429.

Julia
Warnes Retirement
'Julia is retiring from Glass Training Ltd this year. Julia has been
with GTL for over 21 years and has made an excellent contribution to
sector training in the glass and related industry. We will all miss
the work she has done on behalf of all employers to ensure we remain
a non-statutory organisation. She has also contributed to the lives
of many people by ensuring that our learning for all policy has been
implemented. I am sure you will want to make sure she gets a good send
off at the AGM on 5th October 2004. Please let us know if you would
like to be included at the AGM in October, contact mailto:elaine@glass-training.co.uk

Qualifications
'GTL has over the last ten years developed a whole suite of qualifications
to suit all level of employees in the glass industry. At the highest
level we have our MSc in glass management, Foundation Degree in manufacturing
systems, HNC and National Certificate in glass process technology, City
and Guilds in glass manufacture, NVQs/SVQs in glass related qualifications.
We are also a centre for management qualifications at Level 2, 3, 4
and 5 and provide qualifications in warehousing and performing manufacturing
operations. Please use GTL to qualify your workforce, contact
mailto:lisa@glass-training.co.uk

Health
and Safety Development
Sending people on health and safety courses will help but it will not
change the way people act in the workplace. Contact mailto:lisa@glass-training.co.uk
for information on GTLs development programme.

Contract
with University for Industry
GTL is developing a contract to deliver online courses from learndirect.
If you would like a list of the courses that are relevant to your company
contact mailto:lisa@glass-training.co.uk
The modules cost around £17 each.

Foundation Degrees
All your employees who have a Level 2 and are working towards a Level
3 NVQ/SVQ can get a University Degree. Anyone who can benefit from a
university education can take part. Employees do not need to leave the
workplace to qualify. At the end of the programme you can put fdA or
fdSc behind your name. These are recognised qualifications. Please contact
mailto:elaine@glass-training.co.uk
for more information.

The
Main Drivers of Success

Window
and Door System manufacturer HW Plastics
recently held a training day for the drivers of the company's 20+ delivery
vehicles. Transport has recently been brought in house after four years
during which it was subcontracted to a third party transport provider.
The drivers assigned to HW Plastics by that company are now HW Plastics
employees. The training day was an important part of the change over
process.

'Taking
direct control of the fleet gives us greater control over the business,'
says Harry McClurg, HW Plastics Logistics Director. 'The training day
explained how the whole business works, how the different parts link
together and how key the driver's role is in achieving substantial and
substained success. Our drivers are our ambassadors; they meet our customers
face to face over 70,000 times a year. Now the drivers are HW Plastics
employees the link between their performance and their prosperity is
even stronger.

'Service is paramount in our industry. Delivering products to our customers
on time and in full is not something we must merely strive for; it is
basic requirement if we are to see profits and growth.'

'We had a few laughs,' says Harry, 'but there was a serious purpose
behind the day. I am sure everyone went home better informed and motivated.'

Tel: 01625 420400

Glass
Training Ltd Newsletter 71

The
latest GTL Newsletter includes the
news that small businesses in six areas in England are set to benefit
from £190 million, thanks to the expansion of the Learning and
Skills Councils Employer Training Pilots (ETPs). Also the cost
to people and businesses in Europe of clearing up after viruses and
Spam will total Euro 9 billion (£6 billion) by the end of year.

Six New Areas For Employer Training Pilots Named
The Chancellor, Gordon Brown, announced that small businesses in six
areas in England are set to benefit from £190 million, thanks
to the expansion of the Learning and Skills Councils ground-breaking
Employer Training Pilots (ETPs). For more information visit this
link

Widening Participation
Proskills has been asked to help employers widen the participation in
learning. GTL is keen to help Proskills by registering an employee on
a Learning Pathway for free and attempt to get the GTL Learning
Pathway funded by the public funding organisations in one of the
four Nations in the UK. For more information please contact mailto:lisa@glass-training.co.uk

Experts Anticipate Spam Surge
The cost to people and businesses in Europe of clearing up after viruses
and Spam will total Euro 9 billion (£6 billion) by the end of
year and will keep rising, an IT consulting firm warns. For more information
visit this
link

Sustainable Assessments
Assessment in the workplace efficiently carried out by a team leader
or supervisor should raise levels of productivity. GTL will help firms
to develop their supervising staff or key workers as assessors to improve
the efficiency and effectiveness of the workplace. Contact mailto:denise@glass-training.co.uk
for more information.

Factory Output Slows Against Expectations
Speculation about a fresh interest rate hike cooled today as official
figures revealed a set back for manufacturing recovery hopes. For more
information visit this
link

Rally
Highlights 'Haemorrhaging Of Factory Jobs'
Trade unions organised a rally to highlight falling job numbers in one
of the UK's manufacturing heartlands. The large demonstration of workers
and employee representatives was held in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, an area
traditionally known for its factories. For more information please visit
this
link

Project
Management
The NVQ/SVQ Level 4 in management includes Project Management. GTL can
provide learning guidance at a distance for this NVQ/SVQ. This is done
through a novel method using photographic and audio evidence. For further
information please contact mailto:lisa@glass-training.co.uk

School Links
If you start a link with a Secondary School you will be able to encourage
young people to join your company later. You could lay on work experience
that will give a student an understanding of what it takes to be an
employee in your company. Working closely with schools will help you
to develop a programme that suits your needs and could lead to a young
person joining your company when they leave school.

SSDA  Sector Skills Development Agency
The Government has introduced the SSDA instead of re-introducing statutory
industry training. GTL needs your interest in this organisation. Please
browse their website http://www.ssda.org.uk

Construction Skills Cards (CSCS)
Those employers who work on main contractors sites will need CSCS cards
for the work done related to the job/project. Managers, designers, surveyors,
fitters, installers, visitors to site all need CSCS cards. GTL can help,
please email mailto:lisa@glass-training.co.uk

GGF
Fact Sheet - Some Help With Your Training Needs

The
GGFs Training Committee is
able to help its members in the following ways:

 Supplying information about training providers in your area.
 Working to develop NVQs and training programmes to meet
this industrys needs
 Finding funding sources to assist you with the cost that can
be incurred when making training available to your staff.
 Offering support in identifying training needs that would benefit
your company.

A well trained professional workforce gives you more a professional
edge over the competition as well as reducing the number of expensive
mistakes.

Hardware
and ventilation manufacturer Siegenia-Aubi
Ltd is focusing on education and training through its involvement
in the Construction Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Certification
Service.

The
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) CPD certification service
was established to encourage the provision and assist in the dissemination
of high quality and independently certified continuing personal/professional
development training across a range of market sectors.

Following a successful launch at the RIBA London headquarters in November
2003, Siegenia-Aubi will be offering architects and specifiers the opportunity
to learn more about window hardware, its application and environmental
implications. The 45-minute seminar can be delivered at architects
and local authority offices and includes a hands-on demonstration of
the workings of a tilt and turn window.

The RIBA CPD Certification Service was established to help professionals
in the manufacturing and service sectors enhance their skills and knowledge
on a wide range of technical and business-related subjects.

All material is certified for CPD purposes by a panel of assessors following
industry-wide CPD guidelines and, once certified, events and material
considered suitable for CPD purposes carry a nationally recognised CPD
Certified approval mark.

Says Léann Hearne, Siegenia-Aubi general manager, Through
our CPD activities we will address the difficulties associated with
the specification of window and door hardware, providing objective information
and advice to construction professionals to help avoid quality being
compromised in the construction process.

Securistyle
Helps Local Police with their Enquiries into Secured by Design

Window
hardware manufacturer, Securistyle,
has been helping local police officers with their enquiries.

Securistyle, whose products are widely specified by local authorities
and housing associations, invited 28 architectural liaison officers
from Avon & Somerset and Gloucestershire constabularies to the firm's
factory in Cheltenham to learn more about the issues surrounding the
safety and security of window hardware.

The architectural liaison officers have a special interest in improving
the security of housing developments through the 'Secured by Design'
(SBD) initiative. Securistyle, which holds the SBD licence, provided
a demonstration of the BS7950 window security test which is performed
on all products if they are to meet the SBD standard.

Peter Naish, Force Architectural Liaison Officer at Avon & Somerset
Police said: 'lt is our responsibility to inspect sites and award the
Secured by Design licence, so it is important that the inspections are
consistent across all areas. It was really useful to see all the product
testing that is involved and to learn more about the importance of hinges,
handles and locks in the safety and security of the entire window.'

Securistyle's Mike Witherspoon said: 'This was an excellent opportunity
to share best practice and to highlight the importance of specifying
good quality hardware
components to ensure the overall operation, safety and security of a
window.'

Securistyle hardware also meets the Building Life Plan's component life
manual recommendations for 25-year component durability. The product
range provides the capability to exceed the current standards relating
to child safety, emergency egress and security, and is manufactured
under the BS EN 1S0 9001:2000 Quality Management System as approved
by the BSI.

Eurocell
has just run a number of intensive training courses for its staff at
the companys Pinnacle Roof Headquarters, run by Pinnacle Fabrications
Manager, Matt Rick, and Pinnacle Development Manager Fraser Watt. After
initial feedback the courses have proved to be a success with all attendees
benefiting enormously from the further education.

Many of our Building Centre staff and fabricator network already
know some of the benefits of the Pinnacle Bespoke Conservatory Roofing
System, it was a case of refreshing what they already were aware of
and explaining some of the new and existing unique features in more
detail, said Fraser Watt, Eurocell.

Eurocells Pinnacle roof was introduced during 2002 to complement
the existing ranges of window and door systems as well as plethora of
Building Plastics.